One of the most classic single day alpine routes in New Zealand alpine climbing. The Grand Traverse of Single & Double Cone is a steep committing alpine ridge line suitable for climbers with previous mountaineering & rock climbing experience.
The Grand Traverse of Single and Double Cone is one of the most classic single day alpine routes in New Zealand climbing. The steep, exposed and sustained ridge line provides excellent rock climbing on with incredible views 2000m down the west face of the Remarkables to Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. The eastern side of the ridge line is almost as spectacular as you climb high above Lake Alta.
The Grand Traverse is a must do if you are visiting Queenstown for climbing or scrambling.
It would be recommended to scout the route first in a calm manner before attempting it at speed so that you can learn the route.
The route can be done in winter or summer. The ascent is faster in summer, but the descent is faster in winter due to snow filling the gaps between large boulders and providing a smooth surface. During the winter season the Remarkables skifield will be open so take care of running past skiers and snowboarders on the way down.
